Komatsus largest-ever haul truck to be introduced to North America

Komatsu America has announces the North American commercial release of its 980E-4 haul truck. With a 400-ton capacity and 3,500hp engine, the 980E-4 builds on Komatsu’s long history of success with electric drive trucks.

“For several years, many of our customers have been asking Komatsu for a 400-ton electric drive rear dump truck with the reliability of our flagship model, the 930E. With the release of the 980E-4, we now have a product to meet this market demand,” said Tom Stedman, product manager, Komatsu America.

“Building on the foundation of the 960E, Komatsu was able to expedite the development of this new truck, while maintaining our strict standards of design, testing and product quality. We have every confidence this new model will reliably deliver high productivity, considering Komatsu’s reputation for outstanding mechanical availability.”

The 980E-4 provides an optimal match in large-scale mining applications with big bucket shovels (55-99yd3)  such as Komatsu’s PC8000 and the P&H 4100XPC4800XPC, loading out in three to five passes, depending on bucket size and material density. This new truck features expanded dump body capabilities designed to optimize payload capacity and mining production.

Some of the 980E-4 features designed to improve truck performance and lower cost per ton include the powerful, 18-cylinder, Komatsu SSDA18V170 diesel engine, comparable to other trucks in the class for speed on grade, while maintaining a high stall-torque capacity for those mines with soft underfoot conditions. The engine comes standard with a pre-lube system, designed to help reduce wear during start-up, the Cense on-board monitoring system and the Eliminator engine oil filtration system.

The AC electric drive system, manufactured by GE Transportation Systems, enables efficient operations in both deep pit and soft underfoot operations. The Invertex II drive system incorporates the latest AC technology and advanced performance features. The GDY108C traction motor was designed specifically for the 980E-4, with enhancements in both the mechanical and electrical portions of the motor. The 980E-4 uses the proven GTA-39 traction alternator, with millions of operating hours in both of Komatsu’s 930E-4SE and 960E-2 model trucks. The air-cooled, Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) inverter system technology provides high performance and greater reliability than past inverter technology.

Examples of the 980E-4’s improved vehicle control and handling include:

 An AC system that features an alternator designed with a dual impeller in-line blower (12,000cfm air capacity), for consistent electrical component cooling, and a high capacity retarding package for longer brake life and improved horsepower for downhill descents.

 An electric dynamic retardation force of 6,000hp, for continuous downhill hauling that allows the 980E-4 to maintain constant downhill speed or decelerate without frequent use of brakes. This permits travel at higher speeds  even down longer, steep slopes.

 An advanced traction and slip/slide management system that precisely controls the torque applied to each wheel independently. It is also engineered to reduce non-productive wheel spin in low-traction conditions. Similar logic is used during dynamic retarding for managing wheel lockup. These systems help provide exceptional vehicle control and handling, whether heading uphill or down.

Features designed to combat rugged conditions include a continuous horse collar and ladder-type frame that continues Komatsu’s focus on engineering trucks with long-life and long-term reliability. Fabricated steel modules that join with high-strength castings designed to manage the dynamic forces created by a machine weighing 1,378,500 lb. and carrying 400 tons of payload.

A new dump body, incorporating high-tensile strength and abrasion-resistant steel gives the 980E-4 a rugged-chassis construction able to withstand the rigors of off-highway hauling.

 PLM IV (payload monitoring system)  able to store up to 20,480 downloadable records of data, including payload, cycle times, load count and fault codes, this system serves as a critical tool to monitor truck production and prevent overload conditions that place unwarranted stress on components. It uses a simple web interface for download and connects to other chassis systems utilizing Ethernet, CAN bus and USB technology.

 Convenience Center  the front bumper adjacent to the machine’s main entry contains several service and convenience items designed for easy access to both operator and maintenance technician. Items include an auto-lubrication tank, ground level engine shut-down and a fluid service center.

 (Optional) Komatsu Smart Rims  available for the first time on a production truck, these allow the easy removal and installation of the tires without removing the rims, saving time and reducing the impact of tire changes on downtime.

About Author

Tom is editor of ivtinternational.com and iVT magazine. During his 20 year career in journalism Tom has worked for a diverse range of titles including Men's Health and Cosmopolitan. He also edits iVT's UKi Media & Events stablemate Traffic Technology International.

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